Pop Goes the Measles

Today, I will be discussing measles. It has shown up in my survey a few times and is popular amongst the media right now due to the outbreaks in Canada and California. I'll be explaining what it is, what to look for, and what to do if you suspect your child may have measles.

What Is Measles?

Measles, or Rubeola, as defined by WebMD, is a very contagious infection, that causes a rash all over your body. Measles is caused by a virus that is spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, etc. Measles, like the chicken pox, is something that once you have you cannot get it again. There is a vaccination available after your child is six months old. The mother, if fully vaccinated, will protect the baby from getting measles until then.

How Do I Know If My Child Has It?

http://www.skinsight.com/child/rubeolaMeasles.htm

Measles, at first, can seem like a bad cold. Symptoms can include high fever, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. Tiredness and diarrhea may also occur. After these symptoms start to disappear, you may find red spots in the childs mouth and all over the body.

What Can I Do?

If you suspect that your child may have measles, call your child's doctor and describe the problem. The doctor will tell you what steps are necessary to take from that point. There is no medicinal cure for measles, but the doctor will tell you what you can do to treat symptoms.

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